Man charged over Bundoran crash that killed boy (9) wants to work 'at sea'

A man who has been charged with a hit-and-run collision in which a nine-year-old boy was killed in Bundoran has sought permission to work 'at sea'.

Sergee Kelly, who has been charged in connection with a collision in September that resulted in the death of Ronan Wilson, is looking for a bail condition that he sign on at a Garda station three times a week to be removed.

Kelly appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at Ballyshannon District Court on Friday.

Upon hearing that Kelly has an offer of employment on a fishing trawler, Judge Cronin asked that a director of the company appear on Monday next, February 19.

Solicitor for Kelly, Mr Gerry McGovern, made an application to vary the bail conditions that have been imposed on his client.

A letter was handed into the court by Mr McGovern, who said his client 'wants to go to sea and has a job with that company'.

Mr McGovern sought the removal of a condition of Kelly's bail whereby he must sign on at Ballyshannon Garda Station three times a week.

“He cannot go to sea if he has to sign on,” Mr McGovern said. “My client has been signing on since September and has had various conditions imposed which he has honoured.”

Kelly was accompanied to court by his father.

Mr McGovern informed the court that the owner of the company is 'ill' having suffered injury and was unable to attend court, but was prepared to take a call from An Garda Siochana to confirm the job offer to Kelly.

Inspector Angela Cummins said the State was objecting to bail conditions being varied.

Inspector Cummins said the letter submitted was not on headed paper and was not signed.

“We are aware that there are three directors in the company so if one is unable to attend, there should be someone here,” Inspector Cummins said.

The matter was adjourned until Monday's sitting of Ballyshannon District Court. Judge Cronin asked that one of the company directors be present.

Nine-year-old Ronan, from Kildress in County Tyrone, was killed in the incident on Atlantic Way at around 9.20pm on September 23, 2023.

Kelly, a 23-year-old with an address at Upper Mullaghmore, County Sligo, has been charged with three offences under the Road Traffic Act, and is currently on bail under strict conditions.

Kelly has been charged that, having been the driver of a vehicle, which was involved in the occurrence of injury to Ronan Wilson, did fail to offer said person assistance. He has also been charged with failing to stop and with failing to remain at the scene.

Kelly is prohibited from entering Bundoran and has also been ordered to stay out of Northern Ireland.